Page 22 - RVC Support for Students 2015

4. HEALTH AND WELFARE
4.1 Health Services
If you do not already have a doctor near your campus, you should register with a local practice. If you have ongoing health needs, this can give you regular access to medication, advice and emergency services. Some UK students with long-
term health or mental health conditions may want to maintain
a relationship with their current doctor, who knows them in detail. It is often the case that if you sign on with a local doctor, your existing practice will write in detail to them about your case, if necessary.
You should register with a doctor who is nearest to where you are living. To find one in your locality visit www.nhs.uk where you can do a search by entering your postcode. If you are living in Halls both campuses allow students
to register with a local GP on site during induction week.
4.2 Mental Health, Counselling & Mentoring
Undertaking a full-time course away from home can be stressful and it is important to realise that you are not alone if you are feeling the pressure of these changes. People react very differently to relocating, the workload and becoming more independent. Friends can provide immediate support; however you can discuss any worries or problems with your personal tutor or members of the Advice Centre team.
Students of the College also have access to Counselling Services provided on site at each campus by the University of Hertfordshire. This support is available free of charge to students. The team are independent to any teaching and therefore you can speak freely and in confidence about problems you may be having.
You can contact the Counselling Services on: rvccounselling@herts. ac.uk or telephone: 01707 284453
Students with long-term mental health difficulties like Bipolar Disorder, Depression or conditions like Aspergers may be able to access Mentoring. This is a unique form of support that provides students with practical and
emotional support within the context of their studies and is available on-site at both Camden and Hawkshead. It aims to:
• Relieve pressure enabling the student to work to the best of their abilities
• Offer practical ideas, strategies and study skills
• Enable students to prioritise
their workload and other responsibilities whilst at University
This support is usually recommended and funded via
the Disabled Students Allowance or, for International students, directly through the Advice Centre. Students can discuss how this support may be of help to them with the Disability Adviser or Advice Centre staff.
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